ORBOST Orbost is the first (or last) major centre on the eastern Gippsland region. Orbost has a lot of great characteristics, is a passionate heritage centre and is clearly an active community. The romance with the Snowy River movie and legend will get the visitors   interest. Travellers will enjoy Orbost, so plan to do a stopover at a minimum. Peter Imlay established the Snowy River Station for grazing in 1842, and his brother the Newmerella run nearby. In 1845 the land was sold to Norman McLeod, who named the area after Orbost farm in the northwest of Isle of Skye, in Scotland. The Snowy River mouth is about 16 kilometres (10 mi) at the town of Marlo on the coast of Bass Strait. Orbost is the service centre for the primary industries of beef, dairy cattle, and sawmilling. More recently, tourism has become an important industry, being the major town close to several national parks, including the Snowy River National Park. The Snowy Mountains Scheme resulted in the waters of the Snowy River being diverted to the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and associated irrigation schemes. During the 1990s the low level of water in the Snowy River was a major concern. Moves to increase the flow continue. Here the Snowy River at Marlo, right at Bass Straight and here at Mount Kosciusko. And here is the Marlo pub. The Orbost churches are a mix of the old, very old and new. Look at all this heritage and for such a small town. The Orbost War Memorial is located at the eastern fringe of the cbd. The Museum will require time to enjoy. Both of the hotels have lots of character and is easy to stay awhile. Orbost is a nice mix of really nice attributes, not the least the gardens.